Race-by-race preview and tips for Wednesday meeting at Canterbury

Tips and race by race preview by Nick Berney for Wednesday’s Canterbury Park meeting. Selections based on a soft track.

Race 1 – 2:20PM DRINKWISE PLATE (1200 METRES)

Leaning towards 8. Queen Of Dragons who wasn’t suited to the sit/sprint tempo on debut at Rosehill but still ran on well into fourth. Further, the form of that race has been proven, with Red Resistance subsequently winning the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m). The late market suggested she would improve from the run and all key indicators suggest the rise in distance will be ideal. Additionally, she can settle closer from the soft draw, and it’s Craig Williams’ only ride for the day.

Dangers: 4. The Little Pumper started the $4.20 favourite last start at Rosehill and tried hard in defeat after racing in the inferior ground. He has since trialled well behind boom filly Learning To Fly. Expect him to roll forward and give a sight. 2. Militarize won a recent trial at Rosehill and hit the line well under riding. Market watch on 3. Snowman and 7. Kervette brings race experience.
How to play it: Queen Of Dragons WIN. Odds & Evens: EVENS.

Race 2 – 2:55PM FURPHY HANDICAP (1580 METRES)

Keen on 6. Alfano coming out of the Anthony Cummings yard, and he looks set to peak fourth-up. The gelding has a strong platform, and his run was full of merit last start at Newcastle in a high-rating race. Further, he got too far back but ran on hard and savaged the line, clocking one of the fastest final 600m splits of the entire meeting. He gets a positive race set up here, with the step up in distance being ideal, and he can settle closer from the soft gate. In addition, his ratings/sectional profile suggests he can step again and repeating his last start figure/effort would make him hard to beat.
Dangers: 1. Beauty Crusade had too much to do 37 days ago at Randwick, and he ran on into third place in a strong time race. The three-year-old maps positively and races well off a freshen-up. 2. Utopian Spirit had excuses last start, and he receives jockey James McDonald for the first time. 3. Eau De Vie jumps to the metropolitan level but is a consistent type.
How to play it: Alfano WIN. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Race 3 – 3:30PM SCHWEPPES HANDICAP (1250 METRES)

1. Hollywood Hero was solid on debut at this track, running third, and was held up at a vital stage in the final straight. However, once clear, he savaged the line, clocking one of the fastest final 200m splits of the meeting and went through the line full of energy. Further, that race rated highly relative to the day, and there have been four subsequent winners to confirm the form. He must contend with a tricky draw, but James McDonald rides and expect a bold showing.
Dangers: Debutante 6. Dakota Vroom is a nice type and has trialled well in preparation for this assignment. Moreover, she responded well to riding to win her latest heat at Warwick Farm. 7. Lalaguna gets the blinkers back on and maps to control the pace. 5. Aurinko can improve and add 2. Botanica to trifectas and first fours.
How to play it: Hollywood Hero WIN. Odds & Evens: SPLIT.

Race 4 – 4:05PM TAB HANDICAP (1250 METRES)